It is the Year of Wellness here at Moorpark College, however it is a common occurrence for students to eat unhealthy in the mornings, or not eat at all.
Many students, such as 20-year-old business major Michelle Landgraf, underestimate the disadvantage of not eating a nutritious breakfast before tackling their hectic schedule. This is usually due to inconvenience, being unmotivated or simply not having the time.
“I hardly find time to brush my teeth in the morning, nonetheless make breakfast,” said Landgraf. “Often I find myself grabbing prepackaged oat bars, which I’m sure is full of preservatives and sugar, and I usually crash by noon.”
Students often forget that the food they eat is the energy they will run on for their busy day, according to Nutritionist Eleanor Whitney, author of “Nutrition: Concepts & Controversies.”
Whitney says the energy stored in natural foods such as nuts, grains and greens provide essential nutrients for maximum energy.
“College students often choose to eat at fast-food and other restaurants to save time, and they are not always conscious of their body’s need for nutritious food,” Whitney noted.
By getting these important nutrients before the start of their day, it will help students’ focus, stamina and overall mood.
So skip the line at McDonalds in the morning, and enjoy these simple recipes to ensure you don’t crash before your second class:
1. Peanut-Butter with Banana & Blueberries on a Brown Rice Cake:
-A brown rice cake, rather than white rice with refined grains, will provide fiber and long-lasting energy. Spread a natural peanut butter on top and layer bananas for potassium and blueberries for extra antioxidants.
2. Avocado & Scrambled Egg Breakfast Sandwich:
-Leave the butter off your toast, and substitute it for avocado instead, as it is one of the healthiest fats to feed your body. Meet your need for protein with scrambled eggs, and create a sandwich on whole-wheat toast.
3. Super-Food Smoothie:
-Start the morning by throwing together all of your favorite fruits with low sugar content in a blender, with some two-percent plain greek yogurt for the calcium, probiotics and protein. Feel free to add greens such as spinach and kale for added nutrients.
4. Overnight Oat Bars:
-This recipe is started at night, and finished in seconds in the morning. The night before, mix 1/2 almond milk, 1/4 instant oats, 1/2 mashed banana and cinnamon for flavor and an immunity boost, and stick it in the fridge. In the morning, microwave the mixture and you will have instant oat bars that are all-natural with no preservatives.
5. Whole-Wheat Bagel with Greek Yogurt & Cucumber
-Try a healthier twist on your average bagel with cream cheese. Choose a whole-wheat bagel, for fiber and carbs, and spread plain Greek yogurt on top. Top with cucumber for extra flavor and hydration, as they are primarily made up of water.
For more information about eating healthy, make an appointment with the Student Health Center in administration building, room 111, or call them at 805-378-1413.
